More than 13,500 people descended on Custom House in east London this weekend for the London Triathlon.

Elite athletes joined the likes of Alexandra Burke and Sir Richard Branson to run, cycle and swim the first major London sporting event since the Olympics, which started at the former Games venue, the ExCeL centre.

Organisers said about half of those who took part were new to the sport.

The ExCeL centre was packed with runners

Some raced to win their age-group but most said they took part for fitness or to raise money for their chosen charity.

In the women’s race yesterday, Daniela Ryf, from Switzerland, crossed the finish line in two minutes and one second, beating tough competition from 2012 Olympian Lucy Hall, and the south African Gillian Sanders.

She was a last minute entry.

Speaking after her win, she said: “I am really happy with that, I didn’t expect it to go that well.

“Where to go for a drink near Great Portland Street?” was previously met with blank expressions and shrugs for those local to the area, not anymore, thanks to the opening of The Refinery at Regent’s Place, the eighth bar and restaurant from hugely-successful group Drake & Morgan.